Britain’s chip shops are issuing a desperate plea to Scandinavia saying: “Send more fish”.
Around 40% of our fish supplies come from Russia but the invasion of Ukraine has led to trade levies, shortages and soaring European prices.
Chippies are also being battered by the rising costs of fuel, cooking oil and potatoes.
And there are fears a third could close as families battling the cost of living crisis cut back on the nation’s favourite takeaway.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, will make a plea on behalf of UK chippies in a speech at the annual Frozen At Sea gathering, organised by the Norwegian Seafood Council, in the port of Alesund on Wednesday.
He said: “Most vessel owners there [in Norway] produce headed and gutted fish that is then sent to be processed elsewhere.
“I am hoping I can get them to switch some vessels to produce fillets for my industry, as we need as many as we can get to help keep the price as under control as possible.”
The cost per kilo of Icelandic cod has more than doubled from £7.80 last October to £16 now.
Mr Crook, who runs the Skippers of Euxton fish and chip restaurant in Lancashire, added: “We are expecting a tariff on Russian white fish of 35%, which will force the price of all fish upwards.
"We cannot be so reliant on supplies from one specific region.”
Mr Cook hopes the government will step in by cutting VAT to help save fish and chips, which he says are “iconic and ingrained in the nation’s hearts”.
He said: “Not every business can be saved - we accept that - but action is needed now to ensure we get through this in the best shape possible. A third of our fish and chip shops could shut.”
